The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

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National Charity League of Northern Westchester: Bringing Mothers & Daughters Together in Service

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Lily & Amanda Hufnagel at the traditional tea last spring

In the heart of Northern Westchester, a unique organization is taking root- built on the values of tradition, community, family and giving back. The National Charity League (NCL) Northern Westchester Chapter is a mother-daughter nonprofit, focused on community service, leadership, and cultural experiences.

According to chapter founder and president, Amanda Hufnagel, “NCL represents a group of dedicated mothers and daughters who collectively want to help, assist, and improve our communities through volunteering”.

Hufnagel brought NCL to Northern Westchester in 2020. While living in Georgia, she witnessed the organization’s incredible impact. Being able to spend meaningful time with her daughters while providing support to her community felt unique and powerful. When her family moved to New York, the concepts behind NCL came with her, and the Northern Westchester Chapter was born.

But NCL has a century old legacy. Starting in California in 1925, “The Charity League” consisted of mothers who volunteered to craft layette baskets for the American Red Cross. Over time, groups of mothers and daughters worked together to offset the challenges of the Depression and World War II. In 1947, the organization officially became the National Charity League.

Today, NCL has over 300 chapters nationwide and is recognized as the original mother-daughter charity organization. According to Amy Diaz of Briarcliff Manor, “Volunteering with my daughter is a rewarding experience that… has strengthened our bond, models important values, and creates lasting memories”.

Amy & Ava Diaz at The Community Center of Northern Westchester School Supply Distribution

The Northern Westchester Chapter unites mothers and daughters from 7th to 12th grades across 10 school districts- including Chappaqua, Pleasantville, and Armonk. Chappaqua residents comprise their second-largest membership group. The chapter partners with 18 local and national organizations, allowing members to find what resonates most with them. Tenth grader Emmeline Alverson, of Katonah Lewisboro, shares, “NCL is a great place to interact with people outside of our circles…. It’s also a great opportunity to enter the world of volunteer work and help our community”.

In this past year, members have volunteered locally at the Draw for Paws table at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival and organized a game night at the JCCA. They also collected over 7,000 books for their NCL MLK Book Drive, donating half of them to 914 Cares and the other half to a low-income middle school in New York City. Nationally, NCL supports the Alzheimer’s Association, Operation Gratitude, and the American Red Cross.

NCL requires mothers and daughters to complete 15 service hours of service yearly but always welcomes more engagement. “NCL has opened countless opportunities for me to contribute and make an impact across multiple organizations,” says Horace Greeley senior Talia Dessi.

Beyond service, NCL places value on tradition as well as cultural and leadership development. Randi Bergtraum, of Rye notes, “Not only do we give back alongside our daughters, but we have the opportunity to build community within the chapter and teach our daughters how to become leaders”. Two main events are the Fall Kickoff and the Traditional Spring Tea, where graduating seniors are honored.

Five years later, Hufnagel’s vision has turned into so much more than she ever expected. The traditions within NCL and the opportunities it offers have made a deeply impactful impression on both its volunteers and recipients. Hufnagel will be stepping down in the Spring- her youngest is graduating high school – but she is optimistic about a lasting legacy. “I hope my daughters have enjoyed their time at NCL and have developed a lifelong passion for community service”.

NCL President-Elect Allison Shaw, of Katonah Lewisboro, is enthusiastic about continuing the momentum, “It’s wonderful that NCL continues to grow and thrive, providing a wider outreach to the organizations we serve throughout Westchester.”

If you are inspired to join NCL, the next membership drive will open on January 15, 2026, and run through March 1, 2026. For more information, email membership at membershipnorthernwestchester@nclonline.org.

Your Wine Cellar at 30,000 Feet

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(L-R): Chris Adams, Rebecca Knapp Adams, Larry Beckler, and Betty Ng-Beckler
Photo by Carolyn Simpson

“Your wine, your flight, your way.”

It’s not just a slogan, but a way of traveling. Point to Point Reserve, a private wine storage service for private jet travelers, took off this summer with four friends from Briarcliff Manor bringing their unique expertise to the table. Larry Beckler, the entrepreneur, was already connected with Million Air, a private jet hub, and had a vision to introduce the world of wine to luxury travel. Chris Adams, with decades of experience in wine retailing and storage, was the playmaker: the essential wine resource without whom the concept couldn’t take shape. Rebecca Knapp Adam’s expertise was in luxury lifestyle and travel magazines, along with a strong understanding of the clientele and consumer side of the luxury industry. To glue the team together, Betty Ng-Beckler brought a set of detail-oriented eyes to the operation, the key to pulling off flawless events and elevating every little touch. It’s this combined expertise that turns a simple idea into a signature experience.

The Inside Press met with Rebecca Knapp Adams, Director of Client Experience, in the wine room that Point to Point Reserve built at Million Air (Westchester County Airport). She emphasized that the original blueprint of this venture was to elevate and fill a gap in the luxury travel experience. This allows private aviation investors to enjoy access to their personal wine as they wait to take off.

Photo by Carolyn Simpson

Point to Point Reserve serves as the perfect companion to a weekend getaway. By keeping your personal collection in the cellar at Million Air, you can easily bring a bottle of your favorite Burgundy as a hostess gift to Nantucket or share it with friends on a golf trip to Kiawah. The Point to Point team is at your service for sourcing the wine of your choice and ensuring it will be in your locker to elevate your travel experience. There is real value in having someone dedicated to carefully packing your specialty bottles for takeoff, making sure you “don’t leave your cellar at home.”

Frequent flyers and travelers know that wine can be limited and expensive in resort and island destinations. Imagine just landing in Martha’s Vineyard only to find your favorite bottle of rosè is out of stock. With just twenty-four hours’ notice, Point to Point Reserve ensures this is never an issue, seamlessly adding a touch of luxury to a weekend of enjoyment. You can fully customize your experience, from selecting the bottles of your choice to sending the number of cases. Simply fill out a form on the Point to Point website or inquire directly with Knapp Adams, and all within twenty-four hours the team takes care of the rest. They take care of every detail so your travel feels effortless from the ground up.

Point to Point Reserve may have launched in White Plains, but this is just their first chapter. The team envisions an expansion to key private aviation destinations like Austin and Houston, bringing an elevated wine experience to private jet travelers nationwide. As they grow, the team plans to deliver concierge-level service that goes beyond wine storage. Says Knapp Adams: “Million Air feels like a cool and cozy club, and we want our clients to fully enjoy that experience with a little help from Point to Point Reserve.”

For the founders, the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship isn’t just growth, but watching their vision come to life in small moments. Like the recent visit from the president of Panama and his entourage, who enjoyed a tour of the wine cellar and a glass of Cabernet with the team before heading in to the United Nations. Relaxed and convivial, the visit captured what Point to Point is all about.

Go to pointtopointreserve.com to learn more.

Holiday Gifts Galore at Our Local Shops

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The holidays are a time to say, “thank you” and “I love you” in myriad ways. Buying from the small businesses in our towns, filled with intentional and curated items, says something extra special to the folks who matter in our lives. It’s an opportunity for connection, heart, and to make a statement–you matter, our towns matter, community matters. Here is the official Inside Press guide to gifting this holiday season.

For the hostess:

Artisan Fair Fields Bread Warmer

Saltbox Sash
1159 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor
914 373-4017
saltboxsash.com

This bestseller kaisa grass basket and terracotta whitewashed stone will give an above and beyond touch to any home. This is an almost guaranteed compliment-grabber and a conversation starter. Plus, it’s very easy to use. Place the terracotta stone in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Carefully place the stone in the basket and put your baked goods on top. Cover with kitchen linens for best results.

For out-of-towners:

New York Gift Basket

Holbrook Cottage
1143 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor
914 944-0734
holbrookcottage.com

An elite gourmet gift basket specialty store with excellent customer service sits in Briarcliff Manor with nationwide reach. Filled with handpicked artisan gifts that will be used and enjoyed, Holbrook Cottage will ship your gift basket within 48 hours, with some exceptions during peak holiday season. They offer concierge white glove delivery within Westchester and Manhattan, and shipping in the U.S. Check out their Christmas and Hanukkah themed baskets for the holidays.

For the one who has it all:

Custom Monogrammed Gifts

Monograms and More
384 Main Street, Armonk
914 219-5411

A monogram automatically elevates an ordinary item to a unique irreplaceable keepsake. Bring in an article of clothing to have it monogrammed for $45 or purchase a thoughtful gift in store to have it monogrammed for free. Think your loved one would love to wrap themselves in a cozy Ritz Carlton robe? Purchase them at the shop and have them monogrammed to gift a four-star hotel experience at home.

For the artisanal lover:

Pottery Made in New York State

Glass Onion Originals
4 Washington Ave, Pleasantville
914 714-6294
glassonionoriginals.com

Glass Onion has been a Pleasantville institution for over two decades, offering artisan-crafted pieces for home, jewelry, accessories, garden, and functional art. Their collection of Butterfield Pottery is a favorite for both gifting and stocking up personal kitchens. The hand chip and dip sets, mugs, bowls, and vases with a range of price points are perfect to give as a one-of-a-kind artisan piece made proudly in the Empire State.

For the modern home pleaser:

A Beautiful Bowl

Rocks Jewelry Gifts Home
480 Bedford Road, Chappaqua
914 219-5808
rocksjewelrygiftshome.com

Did the party really happen without the home being perfectly accessorized? Give your meticulous stylist friend the perfect gift to dress up their home. ROCKS offers modern accessories–from a stunning table set for twelve to elegant vases for the foyer. Stop by and see for yourself–you might even find a personal gift that suits everyone’s taste!

For aspiring Martha Stewarts:

Adorn your special gifts

The King’s Scribe
140 King Street, Chappaqua
914 861-2799
kingsscribe.com

Personalized notes elevate any gift and save time without compromising style. Stand out in the crowd this year with custom gift tags, something true to you, crafted locally. Choose your design and your tags will be ready in approximately five business days. Check out The King’s Scribe on King Street and talk with the friendly owner Alissa to find your perfect match or browse designs online.

For a stressed-out friend:

Custom Pampering & Home Goods

Kimberly House
69 Wheeler Avenue, Pleasantville
914 495-3910
kimberlyhouse.com

An oasis of sustainable and ethically sourced gifting in Pleasantville, Kimberly House specializes in concierge gifting. Personalize a self-care box with items of your choice (think aloe, baobab botanical lotions and soap, or an olive oil gift set) or choose from a number of nontoxic baby and housewarming items. Can’t make it to the store? Order online for priority shipping throughout the U.S. with 24-hour dispatch

The Perfect Gifts for Oenophiles

By Stacey Pfeffer & Geoff Kalish

One of the most difficult decisions when buying wine as a holiday gift for someone is knowing what type they like to quaff. Is your aunt more of a rosé or a Riesling type of drinker? Does your colleague prefer malbec over merlot? Frankly, the choices can be overwhelming so why not reduce your stress level and instead focus on procuring items that any oenophile will appreciate.

Breeze
1 King Street, Chappaqua
914 238-1900
breezegifts.com

First up, some eclectic stemware should do the trick. Spark some conversation at your next holiday gathering featuring jeweled stemmed glassware adorned with holiday motifs such as an adorable snowman or a prancing reindeer. Your guests will be tickled pink imbibing out of these beauties available at Breeze.

Second Mouse Cheese Shop
357 Manville Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
914 579-290
secondmousecheese.com

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous cheese and charcuterie board? Leave it to the experts at Second Mouse Cheese Shop to curate the perfect wine accompaniment. Customers can expect to find cheeses from American producers for Thanksgiving and in December, a blend of domestic and imported cheeses with all milk types: cow, goat, and sheep, fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, a spread or honey, fresh herbs, and crackers. Order a minimum of 7 days prior to when a holiday platter is needed and for procrastinators Last Minute Mouse Kits (24 hours advance notice) will have all the accoutrements that would be on the platters for assembly at home.

Bentley Jane
75 South Greeley Ave., Chappaqua
914 861-2249
bentleyjane.com

Enhance your décor with a resin beverage bucket perfect for chilling a bottle of bubbly or a sauvignon blanc. The attractive leather handles add sophistication to this elegant item.

The Wine Enthusiast
200 Summit Drive, 4th Floor, Valhalla
800 648-6058
wineenthusiast.com

If you need the ultimate gift for a wine lover, consider the handmade EuroCave La Première M Wine Cellar storage unit available at the Wine Enthusiast showroom in Valhalla owned by Chappaqua residents Adam and Sybil Strum. With advanced climate-control technology, your precious bottles will have superior protection against heat, light, odor and temperature and humidity fluctuations. Multipurpose beechwood shelves comfortably store all types of bottles and can be customized to your wine collection. As the sole distributor of EuroCave units made in France, your storage unit is guaranteed to be the talk of the town. Appointments are recommended to view the units.

Open Door Marks 50th Anniversary with New Name and A New Look

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Newly renovated Open Door facility in Ossining
Photo by Bjorg Magnea

There is no better way for the Open Door to celebrate its 50th anniversary than with a new name and a new look. The organization just announced it will now be called the Open Door Care Network. The new name and accompanying rebranding reflect the organization’s evolution over more than a half century and its expanding commitment to comprehensive, wrap-around care across multiple locations throughout the region.

“The new name and updated logo better represent the organization’s comprehensive approach to care and its growing network of services. Open Door’s commitment to providing quality, affordable health care to all members of the community remains steadfast,” says Lindsay Farrell, Open Door Care Network’s president and CEO.

The Open Door Care Network’s team-based care approach recognizes that health extends far beyond medical treatment. True health care means addressing mental health, social determinants of health, providing care coordination, case management, early childhood services, and connecting families with resources that support their overall well-being. This preventive approach became even more apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the importance of accessible, comprehensive care was highlighted like never before.

“Open Door and other community health centers, sit at the intersection of private practice and public health,” explains Farrell. “We focus on people-centered care, making sure that everyone in our community can live robust, productive lives and take care of their families.”

While Open Door serves everyone in the community, the organization maintains a preferential option for low-income individuals and families, many of whom depend on the sliding fee scale that makes quality health care accessible regardless of ability to pay. This commitment to serving all community members, especially the most vulnerable, distinguishes community health centers from other health care providers.

This steadfast commitment to community service has deep roots–Open Door is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of building capacity and expertise in serving communities with comprehensive, accessible health care. This milestone coincides with the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility at 2 Church Street in Ossining, which will house medical and behavioral health teams.

Dr. Swiderski and patient

“The new facility exemplifies the team-based care philosophy by co-locating multiple services under one roof, eliminating barriers to care and creating seamless experiences for patients. When families can access primary care, behavioral health support, and other essential services in one location, it transforms how they engage with their health care and improves outcomes across the board,” says Farrell.

This facility renovation is the first of a two-phase Ossining project designed to modernize the entire network. The new building complements services at 165 Main Street, which will continue offering dental, podiatric, optometry women’s health services and wellness services. The second phase, already underway, involves upgrading and renovating the existing 165 Main Street facility. The two offices will serve some 18,500 patients annually. (Open Door serves 60,000 patients annually at their six health care centers and nine school-based health centers in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties.)

Beyond providing health care, Open Door serves as a significant economic anchor in the local community, employing 650 people whose spending supports local businesses and contributes substantially to the regional economy. This economic impact demonstrates how community health centers create ripple effects that strengthen entire communities.

Farrell explains that the transition to the Open Door Care Network comes at a particularly challenging time for Community Health Centers nationwide. She points out, “Federal funding streams face uncertainty, Medicaid programs are under threat, and the very viability of many health centers remains a concern. Despite these challenges, Open Door continues expanding its services and reach thanks to increasingly important philanthropic support.”

As the Open Door Care Network, the organization is well-positioned to meet these challenges while continuing to expand its comprehensive approach to community health care. With enhanced care coordination, case management, and early childhood services, Open Door remains committed to its team based, wrap-around care philosophy and its vital role at the intersection of private practice and public health. The network will continue serving as both a health care provider and community anchor, ensuring that quality, affordable care remains accessible to all.

To learn more about Open Door programs and ways to get involved and support our services, please visit opendoorcarenetwork.org, or contact Elisabeth Gilbert, Senior Director of Development at egilbert@odfmc.org.

Homerun Hopefuls: Local Students Join a 22-Year Tradition of Giving Back

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For more than two decades; the Homerun Hopefuls Foundation has carried out a simple mission: delivering baseball equipment to children and teenagers across the Dominican Republic. What began as student, Brett Kalikowʼs, Bar Mitzvah project is now a U.S.-based nonprofit in its 22nd year, connecting communities across countries where the game is much more than a pastime; it’s a source of opportunity and hope.

Guided by its motto, “Play hard, study hard,” the foundation encourages young athletes to pursue both education and sports. Executive Director Matt Neibart contributed, “Playing baseball is essential, but so is studying and valuing family. Our goal is to promote both.”

This summer, the 2025 delegation visited leagues and clubs, distributing equipment and working with coaches who mentor the next generation. Among this year’s group were two Armonk students, Justin Wolf and Josh Goldman.

Local Students Take the Field

For Wolf, joining Homerun Hopefuls was both personal and meaningful: “I loved the idea of combining baseball, a sport that has always been a big part of my life, with helping kids who don’t have the same opportunities,” Justin said.

Goldman shared a similar perspective: “Growing up as a huge baseball fan, many of my favorite players are Hispanic. When I learned about this organization, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to pass on the game I love to people who needed the help to succeed.”

One moment that stood out to him was in Cotuí: “After hitting batting practice with the older kids, their swings amazed me. They had little access to gear or facilities, yet they were so skilled…some were signed to an MLB team.” Goldman added that the trip wasn’t just about baseball, “for me, I got a much better understanding of their culture, and how hard it really was for all of the Dominican players growing up.”

For Wolf, one of the most powerful moments was the groups first stop in Janicó. He describes that after watching a men’s league game, “the mayor of the town invited us into his home for a delicious home-cooked meal, and sharing Dominican food gave us a chance to really connect beyond just baseball.” Wolf added that his favorite part was seeing the direct impact: “Handing out mitts and bats and seeing the kids’ faces light up made [the impact] real,” and despite the language barrier, “we were still able to connect through the universal language of baseball.”

The Director’s Perspective

Matt Neibart has witnessed the growth of Homerun Hopefuls for twenty years now, but expressed that this year, the most impactful moment didn’t happen on a baseball field, but in a community gym east of Santo Domingo. More than 300 kids waited for Homerun Hopefuls, “cheering like we were rock stars arriving with treasure,” Neibart said. He continued describing how student volunteers add a new dimension to the trip: “Homerun Hopefuls operates on a kids-helping-kids philosophy, so we rely on motivated young volunteers to be successful on our mission. Justin and Josh really embodied that spirit. They were always willing to help, pushed themselves out of their comfort zones, and made a real effort to create connections with the children we were supporting.”

A Season of Giving

As the Armonk community looks toward the holidays, Homerun Hopefuls serves as a reminder that small acts–a donated bat, a packed bag of gloves–can have life-changing effects. With another successful year, Homerun Hopefuls continues to show how sports can bridge countries, communities, and young people committed to making a difference!